A COMMANDING PRESENCE
I maybe can count on one hand the amount of people I have known in my life (46 years so far) that have had A Commanding Presence. I long for this kind of pervasion in any location. Somebody that can control a room simply by entering it. Not that the "air" about me is conceited or pompous, but the way I carry myself would exude a more positive demand of attention.
Paul went through much hardship in his adult years. His suffering for Christ's sake was even foretold from the get-go to Ananias by The Lord - But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name." (Acts 9:15-16) However, it is not just his spoken words that I am sure gave people inspiration. It is not just his and The Holy Spirit's written words that brought many direction and enlightenment. But when I observe Paul's life and hear him say - "I am convinced" - I know that life is the instrument and God is the Teacher of what I am to be convinced.
I want more people to experience Christ in me by just being with me. I believe, as 2 Corinthians 2:16 says, that believers in Christ Jesus should have a "Heavenly Scent" about them that is so pleasing that it draws all people to them. "To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?" I also believe, as Matthew 5:15 says, that believers should be a light to the world and especially within their own household. "Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." However, I desire to radiate more of God's Presence in my life SO THAT others may take notice of the difference, inquire and consider a change themselves.
An "authoritative presence" would go a long way in this effort and I desire this existence. Looking at Jesus as our ultimate example, authority was no stranger to Him - "When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law." (Matthew 7:28-29). The Good News here is that His authority did not stop with Him, He shares it with those who believe in Him as their personal Lord and Savior - "And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus..." (Ephesians 2:6). Also, Romans 8:37 assures believers - "in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." So, when I walk into a room I want people to "smell a Heavenly scent", "see a Heavenly light" and hear the Godly authority I have in Him.
If you too desire this, A Commanding Presence begins by abiding in Christ, the True Vine. I desire for all to sense and see me as a "connected branch" to "The Vine", therefore "bearing much fruit" according to John 15:5. It is not enough to be "religious". My life must reflect my beliefs, teachings and songs I sing. It is one thing to hear a great orator speak on any topic and be convinced or swayed on the idea presented. It is a similar thing to have a wonderful word-smith convince or prove his viewpoint(s) should be yours. But there is a totally different power behind a speaker or author who has experienced what they are convincing you about. I see Paul fitting into this last category as he says in Romans 8:38-39 - I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Paul went through much hardship in his adult years. His suffering for Christ's sake was even foretold from the get-go to Ananias by The Lord - But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name." (Acts 9:15-16) However, it is not just his spoken words that I am sure gave people inspiration. It is not just his and The Holy Spirit's written words that brought many direction and enlightenment. But when I observe Paul's life and hear him say - "I am convinced" - I know that life is the instrument and God is the Teacher of what I am to be convinced.
There are those in Scripture I imagine to be applauded for their efforts by God. Moses for his faithfulness (Nu. 12:4-8). Solomon for his request for wisdom to rule God's people (1 Kings 3). Hezekiah as a great kingly model (2 Kings 18:3-8). John the Baptist, who Jesus said about - "among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist...". (Matthew 11:11) And Jesus, whom Father God declared pleasure in from the heavens (Matthew 3:17; 17:5). However, there are a couple I can see being cited for A Commanding Presence - Daniel and Peter.
Daniel was noted by the angel Gabriel as being "esteemed". So much so that Daniel was deemed this three times - Daniel 9:23; 10:11, 19. I believe this notoriety of esteemedness was due to his time abiding with God in prayer (three times a day and maybe more).
Peter was seen as "highly regarded by people" in Acts 5:13-15. For God's healing power to be displayed even in Peter's shadow was a great way to showcase A Commanding Presence. Here again, this ministry of power comes from a close relationship that Peter had with Jesus.
Walking into any room, my desire is to introduce you to Jesus Christ without any words if possible. If you had "spiritual glasses" on I would want you to see Jesus walk-in with me and speak through me in whatever atmosphere is given. I would want you to know my life as my track record and experience me as a Heavenly scent and light in your midst. I believe the more I find ways to keep close to Christ and abide in His Word daily - He will grant me A Commanding Presence.
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